“Do you think God is more likely to answer prayer if I ask others to pray with me?  Is it better to ask a lot of people, like on FB?” I have been asked.  Today I’m going to respond.

So here it is, my answer with a pound of opinion and an ounce of scripture.

There is truth in the statement that when everyone does it, no one does it. Sometimes people fail to do something because they think others will.

The Bible says to call for elders.   Don’t just go to any Tom, Dick, or Harry.  I think that it is even best if one does really call for the elders to come—not just “go forward” during service time.  Which takes more faith from both the pray-ers and the pray-ees? If someone calls me and asks me to come pray, you can bet I’ll hike myself over there with great faith and burden!  I would like to know two or three would be there ”where two or three are together in his name.” Also, I believe it is more likely possible to have unity between two or three than among many.

But  ONE passionate prayer might be enough.  According to James 5:16 “the effectual, fervent prayer of “a righteous man availeth much.”

Paul asked entire churches to pray for him, so I can’t knock congregational prayer requests; however, I think that can turn into gossip, lack of unity, and “leaving it to the others to do the praying.”  

God is not capricious; he is not fickle; he is not moody! He is faithful; he never changes; he is love, always!

I can’t imagine that he would get upset at anyone using every source at their command (including face book) to ask for prayer. I just think the specifics as stated above should be followed, probably first.  And VERY IMPORTANT – the reason for the prayer is important to how many you share with.  Many needs are very personal, or harmful to other people if the specifics are known.  And there is not much safety in “unknown requests.”

Have a prayer buddy (confess your faults one to another… Notice this is confess YOUR faults); take two or three into your confidence (those who will be unified in behalf of your need/one can’t be praying for one answer and the other one for a different answer); call for the elders of the church.  As I said, God is not capricious.  

And remember Psalm 118:8-9 “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man/princes.” Keep your confidence in your Lord not in the number, faithfulness, wisdom, nor prayers of man.

If all else fails, be a Daniel. Go it alone.

Some things I would not even share with one person, particularly if it is a need involving relationships.  Take it to the Lord.  He is not into counting numbers.  And gossip flies!  Jesus cares. He says cast our cares on Him. He will listen! I think most of the instructions and formulas are to test one’s obedience anyway. My opinion again!